Reset Xiaomi Redmi 5A to factory settings: all ways and nuances

Xiaomi Redmi 5A

MIUI

MIUI 12.5

Android 10

Reset to factory settings

Redmi 5A

In this article, you will find 3 proven reset methods (including the method for a locked phone), understand the nuances of unlocking Mi Account after a reset, and learn how to avoid data loss. We have detailed each step, added screenshots of key points and warnings about possible errors. If your Redmi 5A freezes, does not turn on or asks for a password from the previous owner, here you will find a solution.

⚠️ Warning: Settings reset removes all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts and installed apps. If the phone is synced to Mi Cloud, some data (contacts, notes) can be restored after authorization. Otherwise, it will be impossible to return information without a backup copy.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Before you reset Redmi 5A, follow a few steps to avoid losing important data and Xiaomi account issues.

First, back up. Even if your phone is unstable, try to save contacts and photos.

• 📱 Connect your smartphone to your computer and copy files from the folder DCIM (Photos) and Download (downloads).
• ☁️ Enable synchronization with Mi Cloud (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud).
• 📝 Export contacts to the file VCF via Contact → Settings → Imports/Exports.
• 🔄 Use third-party apps like Titanium Backup (requires root) or Swift Backup for full backup.

Second, check the Mi Account binding. Once reset, the phone may require you to enter a username and password from a Xiaomi account that was on it before. If you bought the device from hand and do not know the previous owner's data, a reset via Recovery or Fastboot will lead to locking (you will need an official unlock through the service center).

• 🔑 Remember the username and password from your Mi Account.
• 📱 The phone is not tied to someone else’s account (check Settings). → Xiaomi account).
• 🛡️ Two-factor authentication is disabled on your account (if you are not sure, temporarily disable it in your security settings).

Finally, charge the battery to at least 50%. Recovery or Fastboot resets can take up to 10 to 15 minutes, and if the phone runs out in the process, it will result in a blink.

• 🔌 Original USB Type C cable (for Redmi) 5A Micro-USB is suitable).
• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (If you plan to reset via PC).
• ⏳ 20–30 minutes of free time (don’t interrupt the process!).

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is turned on)

This is the safest and easiest method to use if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You know the pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 🔄 You need to eliminate small glitches (brakes, application errors).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select Additional (or Advanced Settings in newer versions of MIUI).
3. Go to Reset and Reset (in some firmware – Reset settings).
4. Slip on Resetting (or Delete all data).
5. The system will prompt you to enter a password/pattern lock (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings (or Remove Everything).

The phone will reboot and start the reset process, which will take 3-5 minutes, and then you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase.

Battery charge >50%|Sync with Mi Cloud enabled|The password of the Xiaomi account is known|Important files copied to PC-->

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires data input from Mi Account, which you do not remember, do not try to guess the password - after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 72 hours).

Method 2: Recovery reset (if the phone is not switched on or locked)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 📵 The phone hangs on the Redmi logo or reboots cyclically.
• 🛠️ You need to reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).

To log in to Recovery on Xiaomi Redmi 5A:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi Recovery logo appears.

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (Up/Down - move, Power - select) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in Chinese firmware).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting via Recovery, the phone requires data input from Mi Account and you do not know it, do not try to bypass the lock through third-party programs. The only legal way is to contact the Xiaomi service center with documents on the phone.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 Recovery is damaged or not opened.
• 📱 You need to reflash your phone completely (for example, after a failed update).
• 🛡️ You need to unlock the bootloader before installing custom firmware.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot The original Micro-USB cable:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down until the screen with the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute commands in order: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

The phone will restart and start the reset process. This method does not delete data from internal memory (system settings only), but if you want full formatting, use the command:

fastboot format userdata

1. Have ADB drivers installed (download Google’s Platform Tools).

2. whether you use the original cable (poor cables may not transmit data).

3. Is the debugging mode on USB (If the phone is turned on, activate the settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Developer settings → Debugging by USB).-->

5 Unlocking Mi Account After Reset: What to Do If Your Phone Requires an Old Account

One of the most common problems after the Xiaomi Redmi 5A reset is a request for data from the Mi Account, which was previously tied to it.

• 🔑 You know the login and password from the account.
• 📄 You have a purchase check (for official unlocking at the service center).
• 🔓 Previous owner untied the device from his account (Settings) → Mi Account → Delete the account).

If your phone requires data from someone else’s account, you have 3 options:

⚠️ Note: Mi Account bypassing is often offered online through programs like Mi Account Unlock Tool or D&G Unlock, which are illegal and can be used to do so:

• 🚫 Bring to lockdown IMEI (The phone will be a brick").
• 🕵️ Violate Xiaomi’s privacy policy (account may be banned).
• 💸 Demand payment for "unblocking" (fraud).

💡

The only legal way to unlock the Mi Account after a reset is to officially contact the Xiaomi service center with documents on the phone. All other methods violate the user agreement and can lead to irreversible failure of the device.

6. Frequent Redmi 5A reset errors and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and consider the most common errors and their solutions:

1.The phone is not included in Recovery/Fastboot

• 🔋 Check the battery charge (minimum 30%).
• 🔌 Use the original Micro-USB cable.
• 🕒 Hold the buttons for at least 10 seconds (sometimes 15-20 seconds).

2. The discharge was suspended at the stage of "Erasing..."

• 🕒 Wait 15-20 minutes (the process may take longer than usual).
• 🔌 Do not turn off the cable if the reset is via PC.
• 🔄 If the freeze lasts more than an hour, try re-entering Recovery and resetting.

3. After reset, the phone does not turn on (black screen)

• 🔋 Charge your phone for 30 to 60 minutes (the battery may have run out in the process).
• 🔌 Try to clamping the power. + Volume up 20 seconds (forced reset).
• 📱 If it does not help, perhaps the firmware is damaged - you will need to flash through Fastboot or EDL.

4.Mi Account does not accept the correct password

• 🔑 Check the keyboard layout (password is case sensitive).
• 📧 Make sure you type in your email and not your phone number (or vice versa).
• 🔄 Try resetting your password through account.xiaomi.com.

7. Alternatives to resetting: when can you do without it

Resetting to factory settings is a radical solution, and in some cases, the problem can be solved with less drastic methods:

If the phone brakes:

• 🧹 Clear the application cache (Settings) → Annexes → Select an application → Clear the cache).
• 🗑️ Delete unnecessary files through Cleanup (Settings) → Cleanup).
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).

If you forgot the pattern lock:

• 🔑 Try to get a spare in. PIN-code (if installed).
• 📧 Restore access via Mi Account (if your phone is connected to the Internet).
• 📞 Call your phone from another device and take the call – sometimes this allows you to bypass the screen lock.

If the individual functions (camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) do not work:

• 🔧 Reset the settings only for the problem module (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings).
• 📱 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (clip the power). → Hold it down. → You will agree to a safe regime).
• 🔄 Retracement to the previous version MIUI (If the problem occurs after the update).

💡

If Redmi 5A is slower after the MIUI update, try to roll back to the previous firmware version. To do this, download the desired version from the MIUI Download site and scroll through Recovery (Install update.zip).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions